What You See Read Free

wouldn’t
suspect him of cheating. Tell us the details and we’ll try to put your mind at
ease and help you figure out what you can do about it. Where are the kids?”
    “They’re upstairs taking a nap. They were so tired from the
trip, Lucinda fixed them a snack and sent them to bed,” she said, losing
herself in thought for a minute. With the stamina of a race horse getting its
second wind, she blurted out to Mom, “What about Lucinda? Is she going to stay
on with you and Dad when you move to the mountains?”
    “No,” Mom replied. “She’s going to go live with her
daughter.”
    “Not to beat a dead horse, but what’s the deal with you and
Carl?” I asked Claire. “Perhaps you’re mistaken. Maybe your hormones are in the
ozone. You told me on several occasions your hormones go into orbit when you’re
pregnant. Why should it be any different this time? Come back to me with proof
and I’ll help you to nail the rat.”

Chapter 2
    I laughed
out loud . Mom and Claire looked at me as if I had lost my mind. What can I say?
I’m not the most perfect person. I don’t have all the answers. When something
smells bad, I’ve learned that it most likely is bad. I didn’t know what to do
or say, but I did know that someone here had to get it together. Face it—people
tell lies, people steal and people cheat. That’s life, unfortunately.
    “Listen, Claire,” I said in the best tone I could muster up.
“I have to get going. I need to do some paperwork, check my roommate’s dog to
make sure she hasn’t wet everything in sight, and see if Becky’s still my roommate.
Maybe she has run off again to reconcile with that jerk of a boyfriend, Tim,
like she has many times before—usually when the rent’s due. Whatever I can do
to help, let me know and I’ll be there for you. I’m not trying to make light of
what’s happening to you. I’m sorry, but until you can tell me something
concrete, I’ll have to agree with Mom. Perhaps you’re just whacked out right
now and you’re not being rational.”
    “I found receipts. I wasn’t snooping or anything. I was
getting his suit and shirts together to go to the cleaners and when I went
through the pockets I found a receipt from West Florist and one from Victoria ’s Secret. I haven’t gotten any
flowers or sexy underwear since I can’t remember when,” she stammered, tears
spilling down her cheeks. She was so upset.
    “Ah, sweetie, don’t cry. Everything’s going to be fine. I
just know it will. Go home, take some time to think this over and if you still
feel this way in a couple of days, call me. We’ll go from there.”
    “Oh Jesse, you think I could be wrong? Carl is a good husband
and father. He has never done anything before to make me think he was
interested in anyone but me. He’s always telling me how much he loves the kids
and me, and how happy we make him. You’re right. I’m going to do just that.”
    She looked at Mom and asked, “Is it okay if the kids and I
stay here tonight?”
    “Of course, it is, dear.”
    “I really do have to get going. Claire, call me if you need
me. Mom, thanks for the grand tour. I love your new home and can’t wait to
visit again.”
    I gave both of them a hug and kiss and said my good-byes. I
saw Dad on the way out. “Everything’s going to be fine. I’m headed home. Thanks
for the trip.” I gave him my usual peck on the cheek and yelled to Lacy, “Bye,
Lacy.” I didn’t wait for a reply.
    Backing out of the driveway, I had to chuckle to myself.
Claire always had a way of blowing everything out of proportion or working her
mind into a state of utter chaos. However, that little voice inside me wasn’t
laughing.
    On the way home it occurred to me that I hadn’t asked Claire
about her pregnancy. During her last two times, that was all she talked about.
She drove me nuts.
    She was depressed and crying because she was fat and ugly or
she was ecstatic because she had chosen a name for the baby.
    The ones I